The health craze has taken over the world. Everywhere you look you see green smoothies, joggers, people doing yoga in the middle of the park. Sometimes it seems like you can’t go a day without hearing about superfoods like goji berries, spirulina or some goop that Gwyneth Paltrow came out with and now it’s a must have for everyone who wants to look as good as she does. And don’t get me wrong, this health craze is one of the best trends we could get, it’s good that being healthy and fit is in trend now. However, some of these super foods we keep hearing about can be very expensive and really not worth it, so we came up with a list of affordable superfoods that will benefit your health without breaking the bank.
1. Oats
Oats are one of the cheapest foods out there and they’re full of fiber, antioxidants and vitamin E. They will keep you full for long periods of time and can help you lower your cholesterol. Plus, they’re so versatile and you can cook them so many ways, be it overnight oats, oatmeal cookie or oat bakes.
2. Frozen Berries
Summer is the season to load up on berries and all the vitamins they provide. Right now they’re really cheap and easily available, however they can become quite expensive in the colder months. But here’s something a lot of people don’t know – frozen berries are just as good for you. They don’t lose any of the vitamins and nutrients because they’re usually picked when they’re ripe and frozen within 2 hours of being picked. That means that all the vitamins are sealed inside them and you can have them all year round.
3. Avocado
There’s a reason avocado toast is so popular these days. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins that help your skin glow. Avocados are also full of healthy fats that are essential for your well being and having just half an avocado a day will keep you healthy and feeling great.
4. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. There’s truth to that saying, you know. Apples are full of vitamins and they’re the cheapest and most easily available fruit out there, but we tend to forget about them in favor of more exotic fruit. Go back to your roots, have an apple.
5. Nuts
Nuts can sometimes get a bad rap because a lot of the time they’re served salted, fried, and covered in oil and roasted with spices. However if you get them just dried they’re great for you. They’re a good source of zinc, protein and healthy fats. A small handful a day is all you really need. As they don’t have any added sugars, oils, and other ingredients – they’re good for you.
6. Watermelon
Watermelon is the best snack food for summer, not only is it yummy, juicy and full of vitamins, but it can also help your muscles recover after a workout, hydrate you and help you burn more fat overall. Always go for the whole watermelon instead of the cut up, prepackaged kind. You’ll save the world from unneeded plastic and get more fruit for your buck.
7. Oranges
Oranges are full of vitamin C and are great for giving your immune system a boost. They can also help you burn some fat and improve your vision thanks to beta-carotene that they contain. Oranges are usually cheap and if you like orange juice you’re much better off making fresh juice at home than buying a juice box that has added sugar in it.
8. Chia and Flax Seeds
Chia seeds and flax seeds are tiny but mighty. They are packed with omega-3 acids and they will keep your brain healthy and your digestive system running smoothly. Plus, at only a couple of bucks per pound the amount you would usually sprinkle into your smoothie basically costs next to nothing.
9. Ginger
Ginger is great for your tummy. It prevents inflammations and helps a lot with nausea. Some people find it hard to just eat ginger on its own or have it in salads, but you can always just add a bit of it to water or tea to get the same benefits.
10. Watercress
You might think that watercress is just another type of salad, it doesn’t really provide any nutrients but you’d be wrong. It’s actually more impressive than kale when it comes to nutrients and vitamins. It’s full of vitamin C, calcium, potassium and fiber, and it’s way easier to chew. And it’s basically zero calories so feel free to really pack it in when making sandwiches.
11. Lentils
Did you know that lentils have more protein per ounce than steak? It’s true, and they’re also full of fiber, which your tummy will be thankful for. It’s a vegetarian’s best friend and can be cooked so many different ways you’ll never grow tired of them. Add them to salads, blend into creamy soups or make a lentil stew, you can even make lentil burger patties.
12. Broccoli
If you hate broccoli it’s probably because you don’t know how to cook it. A lot of people overcook it and then it becomes with murky mess that no one in their right mind will want to eat. However if you steam it lightly for a couple of minutes it’ll be bright green and delicious, plus the anti-aging properties it has might help you reconsider your feelings for broccoli.
13. Bananas
Bananas are one of the best fruits to have for gut health. They’re full of fiber and potassium and they’re in season all year round. They’re an easy snack to throw into your bag and if you freeze them you can make the creamiest, most delicious and what’s most important – healthiest ice cream in the world.
14. Tomatoes
We bet you never thought tomatoes were a superfood, but they are! Just one tomato will give you half of your daily dose of vitamin C. Tomatoes are also great for your skin, heart health and they even have anti-cancer properties and help fight cell damage.
15. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are incredibly cheap if you buy them dry and cook them yourself. They’re full of fiber and protein and when baked with spices are a great crunchy alternative to popcorn. You can make them into burger patties or just add some to your salad or curry. But if you’re too lazy to cook them yourself you can always just buy some hummus and have it as a dip for your veggies or use it as salad dressing.
